Groundhog Day is celebrated on Feb. 2 every year and, according to that wily rodent, spring is set to arrive early.
A tradition that began in Pennsylvania in 1887 and continues to this day, Groundhog Day predicts whether spring weather will arrive sooner or later than expected, based on the rodent’s shadow when it emerges from its lair.
The roots of the holiday date as far back as 350 A.D., from Candlemas Day in Europe, when Christians brought candles to church as a blessing for the remaining winter months. You can find the modernized celebration popularized in the film “Groundhog Day,” starring Bill Murray.
Punxsutawney Phil, who lives in Young Township near Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, is the nation’s most famous weather indicator. But various areas in North Carolina have established their own traditions, with renditions of Phil’s special prediction.
Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar locations across the state hold annual celebrations with speeches, songs and a pretend groundhog.
Dick Clark and George Stouffer hosted entertainment for the holiday at the Shuckin’ Shack’s Carolina Beach location. They have held the event for over 13 and have original songs and speeches about the rodent — who they call Carolina Chuck — along with a coronation ceremony of a Groundhog Queen.